GOOD THINGS REALLY DO COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

The Science Advisory Board polled its members as to what accomplishment they think could be most successfully achieved through nanobiotechnology in the next 10 years.

GOOD THINGS REALLY DO COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

ARLINGTON, VA -- February 24, 2002 -- Nanobiotechnology is the application of nano- and micro-fabrication methods to build tools for discovering the secrets of biological systems. Because this innovative technology overlaps with many traditional biomedical fields, The Science Advisory Board polled its members as to what accomplishment they think could be most successfully achieved through nanobiotechnology in the next 10 years. While only 10% of the 1,114 respondents believe that the technology will actually be able to prolong life, a significant percentage (62%) think it is realistic to expect improved health through nanobiotechnology. Another 28% expect that it will be able to prevent certain illnesses and diseases.

The development of biosensors and microdelivery systems will enable researchers to monitor and provide feedback about biochemical and electrical events at the molecular and cellular level. Traditionally, these advances would not be possible using macroscopic technologies and will allow researchers to modify molecular and cellular process to achieve beneficial health effects. Nanobiotechnology promises new insights into how biological systems function and will lead to the design of miniature biological and biomedical devices capable of enhancing peoples lives within the next decade," states Dr. Tamara Zemlo, Director of Scientific & Medical Communications at The Science Advisory Board.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD

The Science Advisory Board is an online panel of more than 7,000 scientists, physicians and other life science and medical professionals from 62 countries. By convening electronically, Science Advisory Board members participate in online studies to voice their opinions on issues that directly affect the evolution and development of the tools and techniques of their professions. The Science Advisory Board is currently conducting ongoing studies in other exciting areas of the life sciences. Scientists can contribute their own views on the tools and techniques of their field by participating at http://www.scienceboard.net. The Science Advisory Board was organized in 1997 by BioInformatics, LLC (http://www.gene2drug.com), a research